WAJEHA KHAN
Controlling the sea is the backbone of the global trade.It echos the strategic principle of sea and asserts the power of chowk points that enables the government ‘s commerce, military dominance and geopolitical influence .Control of seas ensures dominance over global trade. As approximately, 80 percent of the world trade is moving through sea , controlling the oceans and this is how the sea decides shipping rules and economic resilience.
Throughout the history ,seas have acted as a symbol of influence.It plays an important role in international politics .Similarly , as the recent war of Iran and US , the deployment by US naval forces illustrates the significance of strategic sea routes as essential to gain leverage over global affairs.
Today ,we believe massive ,modern -day validation of this phiolosophy playing a real role.In 21st century , the battlefields have expanded to space ,cyberspace,and the skies.Yet , the oceans remain the life of the global economy.
Commanding the sea is equal to global dominance.France owns the most ocean territory in the world ,controlling over 11 million square kilometers.it holds the top spot because its numerous overseas territories and islands are strategically scattered across Pacific,Atlantic and Indian ocean.
The top countries controlling the largest ocean territories include;
France,United State,Australia and then Russia.
Think of the South China Sea ranks number one in terms of maritime presence ,artificial island -building and naval expansion in south china sea is highly valuable, a busy highway. It is incredibly important because trillions of dollars in global trade pass through it every year, and it is packed with untapped oil, natural gas, and rich fishing waters.
The South China sea has become the most contested body of water in the world. China’s “island-building” and naval expansion are direct attempts to secure its shipping and are challenging traditional US naval dominance.
Besides, the economic and strategic importance of oceans as Blue economy .The Blue economy proves the environmental sustainability it is the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth,improves livelihoods and create jobs. Fisheries and Aquaculture, Marine fisheries provide protein for billions of people and sustain hundreds of millions of jobs, particularly in developing and coastal economies.
And in Climate Regulation Oceans act as the planet’s primary carbon sink and temperature regulator, making ocean health a vital component of national and global security strategies. Protecting these ecological services prevents climate-induced crises and resource conflicts.
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